Dairy Queen names new COO for U.S., Canada

Art D’Elia has spent the past seven years at Domino’s Pizza.

International Dairy Queen, Inc. (IDQ) has tapped a food industry veteran to oversee its American and Canadian stores.

Art D’Elia has joined the quick-serve ice cream giant as chief operating officer, U.S. and Canada, reporting to Troy Bader, president and CEO. He will oversee Dairy Queen’s (DQ) nearly 5,000 restaurants in the two countries, with the goal of growing franchisee sales and profits and maintaining and growing the “strength and reputation” of the DQ system.

D’Elia joins IDQ from Domino’s Pizza, where he spent seven years in roles including executive VP of international, and executive VP and chief marketing officer.

“Art’s strategic vision for the DQ business and strong leadership in brand strategy, marketing, operations and system sales growth position him well to lead our business in the U.S. and Canada,” said Bader. “His proven record of success in the quick-service restaurant industry paired with compelling marketing leadership in consumer packaged goods will elevate our franchise business to the next level and deliver on our vision to become the world’s favorite quick-service restaurant.”